After three consecutive losses in Eindhoven, Ajax finally grabbed one point in Sunday’s game at PSV. Ajax initially took the lead thanks to a goal by Quincy Promes, but Donyell Malen tied the game up: 1-1.
After the mid-week 3-0 win against Lille, Ajax was ready for another top game on Sunday. Erik ten Hag’s team could try – after winning the Johan Cruijff Shield – to beat PSV to the second time this season, even though they have failed to do this for three straight years. Moreover: Ajax has not even scored in the Phillips Stadium in the last three years.
Opportunities but no goals
Scoring proved to be anything but simple, however. Although Ajax had several opportunities in this compelling match, the ball simply wouldn’t go in. in the 28th minute, Nico Tagliafico stumbled on Jeroen Zoet. Exactly 10 minutes later, Quincy Promes sent a shot just wide. And in the final minute of the first half, Zoet stopped Dusan Tadic from making a pass. Thus, the score remained 0-0 in a half in which Ajax played better, had the most possession, and the better opportunities.
After the break, PSV came out flying, but Ajax made its presence felt as well. Ziyech was unable to cash in on Zoet’s failure to clear the ball properly, and shortly after that shot wide. The start of the second half was nail-biting, to say the least.
Promes 0-1!
After one hour, Onana cleared a free kick by Ihattaren from the crossbar and, soon after, the Amsterdam team’s goal came! Quincy Promes, who was almost passed over in favour of Donny van de Beek, finally defeated Zoet.
Malen makes good
But the 0-1 proved to be insufficient for three points. In the 78th minute, substitute Gakpo sent Donyell Malen in, and he promptly scored the 1-1 goal. Both teams seemed content with this result and took no more risks. There were no more opportunities in the final minutes.